The Tampa Bay Rays are playing their first home series back at Tropicana Field this season, and they began with a 6-4 win over the Chicago Cubs.

But, for Game 2 against the Cubs, Drew Rasmussen, their top pitcher this season, was scheduled for his third start of the year. But he was scratched.

The reason, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times, is a heartwarming one. Rasmussen’s wife is delivering their baby early.

Rays’ Rasmussen misses start for heartwarming reason

“Rays Rasmussen scratched from start as his wife is delivering their baby early,” Topkin reports. “Englert will open in likely a bullpen day.”

The Rays righty is not pitching today against the Cubs, as he’s headed to be with his wife, who is delivering their baby today.

While pitchers can be late scratches for many different reasons, this is certainly the most heartwarming reason possible.

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After posting a 1.80 ERA in his first two starts this season with 10 strikeouts and a 0.70 WHIP, Rasmussen was scheduled to face a struggling Cubs lineup.

Instead, he’s no longer in the fold to be with his wife during a big moment in their lives. Mason Englert, the 26-year-old righty reliever, will be opening the game for the Rays.

Englert has a 12.00 ERA in three outings this season with only two strikeouts and a 1.67 WHIP. He will open the game, and Tampa Bay will go through a few relievers to get through the nine-inning matchup against the Cubs.

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